WHAT IS A MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER?

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries to the body’s musculoskeletal system. This includes but is not limited to tendons, bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and discs. 

While pain may be widespread and affect the entire body, it is often localised too due to high use and exposure.

Examples: 

  • Sprains, strains, and tears

  • Back and neck pain

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Hernia

  • Sports injuries

  • Dislocations

  • Tendinopathies

Injury Risk Factors

  • Force/ overloading your bodily structures – include heavy lifting, pushing/pulling, or excessively squeezing a hand tool such as a hammer.

  • Awkward postures – include reaching overhead, twisting, bending to ground level to lift a box, or looking down at a laptop monitor.

Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries

  1. Education is key: Workers must learn about the risk factors of MSD’s and how to make ergonomic changes.

  2. Warming up, before lifting and avoid over-straining.

  3. Correct lifting techniques: - Use arm and leg muscles for lifting, do not bend your back - Do not attempt to lift more than you can carry safely and without undue strain.- Call for help with heavy loads. - Utilizing helpful equipment.

  4. Staying physically active and exercise regularly eg. group exercise program.

  5. Weight loss support program.

  6. Strength and balance program, to reduce risk of falls and ankle sprains.

Physiotherapists are musculoskeletal experts. We offer musculoskeletal assessments and advice to help you manage your injury for a better and quicker recovery. 

This includes but is not limited to: electrotherapy, muscular techniques (fascial release, dry needling), strapping, exercises and education. 

Sandton Physios